Trailer Conventions and Tips

Recognisable conventions of a trailer:
- They highlight the 'best bits' of the film
- We are not shown the story in narrative order
- They showcase the stars of the film
- Some images stay on screen just long enough for our mind to comprehend them
- Conversations between characters usually consist of one line each
- Unusual angles are often used to show events or characters
- Action is interspersed with credits on screen
- Voiceovers tell the story and give credit information (but rarely in horror
trailers)
- Music plays an important role in creating atmosphere
- The title does not appear until the end
- The trailer builds to a climax, where it ends

Trailer Tips:
- Create suspense and tension by altering the pace of editing.
- Use multiple sound effects to enhance and punctuate the trailer.
- Consider how are you going to involve the viewer. For example, you could pose a
question, use POV shots and include familiar scenarios.
- Plan the narrative structure so that you arouse the viewer's interest.
- What USP(s) will you use in the trailer?
- Carefully plan the captions. Does the text make sense to the viewer? Are you using
the right tone and register for the film?
- The most important sequences in the trailer are the beginning and end. Pay special
attention to these.